Travel Advisories for Monterey County
UPDATES REGARDING COVID-19
Monterey County is open and welcoming travelers to explore its awe-inspiring Central Coast destination safely and responsibly. We are proud to be one of California’s highest vaccinated counties and ask visitors to help us keep our community safe.
On June 15, 2021, the state of California moved beyond the California's Blueprint for a Safer Economy to allow for businesses to return to normal operations with no capacity limits or physical distancing requirements, with limited exceptions for “mega” events (see Group Meetings & Events section below). We advise visitors to carry a mask with them at all times and to check individual business websites for details on modified operations, safety and health protocols and to book reservations (please see Mask Guidance section below for specific details). Please follow all posted signage.
Monterey County hotels and lodging properties are following the highest industry standards provided by the California Hotel and Lodging Association Clean and Safe guidelines for added preventive measures during your stay. Additional health guidance and frequently asked questions can be found here.
The entire county is working diligently to ensure the health and wellbeing of its visitors, residents and employees.
MASK GUIDANCE
Effective March 1, 2022 universal masking remains required in only specified settings. The updated guidance includes:
- Masks are required for all individuals, regardless of vaccination status in specific settings detailed here.
- All individuals, regardless of vaccination status are strongly recommended to continue indoor masking,
- Additional mask wearing exceptions and requirements by the state can be found here.
Please respect individual business requirements and inquire directly for information. Help us keep Monterey County beautiful by properly disposing of all trash including face coverings!
GROUP MEETINGS & EVENTS
Beginning January 15, 2022, under the Beyond the Blueprint, the California Department of Public Health has identified “Mega Events” as crowds greater than 500 attendees for indoor events and crowds greater than 5,000 attendees for outdoor events. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test results within 1 day for an antigen test and 2 days for a PCR test prior to the event are mandatory for all attendees for indoor mega events. Proof of vaccination or negative test results will remain a recommendation for outdoor mega events and self-attestation will be allowed at the discretion of venue and or event operator.
In settings where masks are required only for unvaccinated individuals, businesses, venue operators or hosts may choose to:
- Provide information to all patrons, guests and attendees regarding vaccination requirements and allow vaccinated individuals to self-attest that they are in compliance prior to entry.
- Implement vaccine verification to determine whether individuals are required to wear a mask.
- Require all patrons to wear masks.
- No person can be prevented from wearing a mask as a condition of participation in an activity or entry into a business.
For more on meetings and events guidelines, visit California Hotel and Lodging Association (CHLA) Clean and Safe meetings and events guidelines.
ROAD CONDITIONS
Road closures and conditions change regularly in Monterey County.
On Sunday April 24, Highway 1 will be closed just over 27 miles on the Big Sur Coast from 4 am to 1 pm due to the Big Sur International Marathon.
Please check the official Caltrans website for real-time updates or contact Caltrans District 5 Public Affairs at 805-549-3318.
PARK CLOSURES
The following parks remain closed due to 2020 wildfire damage in Monterey County:
Please visit individual park websites for the latest updates, as well as to learn of possible trail closures throughout Monterey County.
TRAVEL RESPONSIBLY
As our destination welcomes visitors to enjoy our county, we ask that travelers visit responsibly and follow safety precautions, as outlined by health care officials. Please practice the following guidelines:
- Mask up as needed: face coverings are required for unvaccinated individuals and when individual businesses require them.
- Stay home: if you show signs of illness, stay home. Follow CDC guidance for safe travel.
- Leave no trace behind: properly dispose of all trash and plastics, including face coverings. Help us keep Monterey County beautiful for generations to come.
- Camp responsibly: camp only at designated campsites to avoid damaging vegetation, causing potential wildfires or camping on private property. Illegal camping is prohibited.
- Have a plan: have a back-up plan in case the area you're looking to visit is overcrowded, fully booked or parking areas are full. Explore lesser-known areas and try to avoid times popular areas are in high use.
- Respect the destination and others: Monterey County is home to an amazing diversity of indigenous plants and animals. Leave natural objects as you find them, keep your distance from wildlife and be respectful of others so that everyone can enjoy our scenic destination.
LOCAL/REGIONAL RESOURCES
For additional questions, please reach out to Info@SeeMonterey.com
